Picked up this circa 1961 Wittnauer "Electro-Chron" recently. It's powered by Landeron's first electric movement, the L4750. Later models were equipped with L4751 and L4760 movements. The L4751 had a hacking mechanism that stopped the hands when the crown was pulled outward. The L4760 had a similar hacking mechanism which also disconnected the electric circuit, saving battery life. The original 1.5v battery used in this watch is huge by modern standards. It is roughly the diameter of the movement, and is secured in the case back by a retaining ring and spring clip. The case back acts as the positive pole of the circuit. The original style battery is no longer available. I purchased a modern 1.5v micro battery, and used the plastic coated cardboard from the battery packaging to fashioned a spacer to hold the battery in the case back....screwed the case back into position, and the watch was off and running. I will be interested to see what the battery life is. Supposedly the batteries originally used in these watches lasted only 2-3 months before having to be replaced. Original advertising for these watches informed potential buyers that the watch was, "Powered by a tiny battery you can change yourself."
Been planning to buy this one for a while. I’ll share the story elsewhere. I’m very happy after wearing it one day. The polished indices and sharp edges of the case glimmer more than my other pieces but the black strap and matte dial make the watch feel somehow casual. One thing I didn’t appreciate before wearing for a day is the curve of the crystal. You don’t really catch a reflection in it so the dial is always legible.
Have been wanting one of these for a long time but didn’t want to order from overseas. Found one available on eBay in the US. Arrived today. Nice when a “grail” comes in at under 60.00.
Well, I didn't make it through December without a last final impulse buy on an eBay auction. I'd never had one of these Viceroys before, and they seem to be a polarizing watch, so I was curious to try one out on my wrist. There are a few scuffs and fine scratches on the case that weren't really apparent in the auction photos, but overall it seems like a decent example.
I learned a very expensive lesson yesterday. Be very careful where you go and ask stupid questions, like whether someone has a very hard-to-find watch in stock despite it not being in the display case.